The Nick and Nan

I set out on my Road Show journey on Tuesday as we all have before, not knowing what to expect. Heading down to the basement of the Nickelodeon Theater, I was warmly greeted with good company, home cooking and an ice-cold beer. While I knew this would not be an average movie experience, I did not realize this night would be my Road Show "ah ha" moment.

After dinner, Andy Smith, the Nick’s Director of Programming, gave us a brief history of independent film and the Nick. It’s hard to believe that a bed sheet screen hanging on the basement wall could morph into a venue that provided a movie experience like no other.

Our experience like no other was provided via Lost and Found from local filmmaker Betsy Newman. It is an extremely personal documentary about the search for Betsy’s sister Paula, who disappeared 33 years ago. Driven by a 1999 New York Times photo, we travel west with Betsy to San Francisco, seeking out a mentally ill woman whom she believes may be her missing sister. Her story not only grabbed me, but also shook loose feelings of hope, sadness, empathy, curiosity and pain. My perspective of independent film had changed – "ah ha". There was no scare factor, no political statement, no verbosity. It was a simple journey of sisterhood and lasting hope. We all have a Paula - someone we loved, lost, yet hold onto forever.

After the film, we had the pleasure of meeting Betsy Newman. She spoke of the filmmaking process and of what motivates and inspires filmmakers. They so often eschew popularity, and with it monetary gain, to share their experiences with the world. Betsy’s film is a gift, a contribution from pain and loss given to further our understanding of mental illness and homelessness.

After such seriousness, we sat down with Executive Director Larry Hembree, Andy and Betsy. They shared more about the Nick’s past, present and future and its role in the community. Not only does the Nick entertain, but it is also a non-profit which seeks to reach out and give Columbia a culture shot. Larry discussed the capital campaign efforts to raise $3 million for the refurbishing of the Fox Theater located on Main Street. The theater will not only have two screens for films, but will also provide educational programs and series.

On November 30 we will be viewing Lust, Caution and will enjoy an after party at the Fox Theater. I can’t wait to see the new digs and to continue my independent film experiences and "ah has". Thank you to Larry, Andy and Betsy for an enjoyable and educational night. Nan

We're at the Nick in November - Sharon blogs about our first visit!

On a cool November night the "Roadies" made our first visit to Columbia's very own Art House Theater, the Nickelodeon. I settled into my comfy theater seat not knowing what to expect. Not knowing what to expect is a standard for our New Audience Road Show evenings. The uncertainty of the evening is one of the many fantastic aspects of this program!

We learned that there are less than 30 Art House Theaters in the US. Larry Hembree, Nickelodeon's Executive Director, welcomed all of the Roadies along with many theater patrons as this was a normal evening for business at the "Nick". The lights were dimmed and the movie began after the standard fare of previews. The film for the evening was an Indian film and the 2007 Berlin International Film Festivals winner for Best Debut Film, Vanaja. I am a very fascinated with the Indian culture. Growing up I had a very good friend that was Indian. I enjoyed spending time with her family, experiencing Indian cuisine, Indian music and art as well as the very popular "bollywood" films. Bollywood is the informal name given to the well known Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry in India.

As the movie started I began to realize that this was not "one of those". I was quickly sucked in though and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will not give the details of the movie away so that anyone wishing to see Vanaja will still enjoy the movie. I will highly recommend the movie though! The audience is immediately charmed by the lead character, Vanaja, played by Mamatha Bhukya. She is a spirited young girl that ignores the chains of the caste system when dreaming of being a dancer. Anyone interested in more information should visit the following websites: www.nickelodeon.org or www.vanajathefilm.com .

After laughing, sniffling, feeling good and feeling bad during this brilliant film the Roadies headed downstairs below the Immaculate Consumption (a GREAT place for a cup of coffee!) to discuss the film and the Nickelodeon. Many of us recounted our first visits to the Nick. This is an amazing theater and seeing a film there is not just "going to the movies". As many people described their visits to the theater it became apparent that seeing a move at the Nickelodeon is really an "experience".

Larry and Andy Smith, Nickelodeon's Director of Programming, provided great insight into the theater's many programs, the process of selecting and acquiring films to be shown, their efforts in reaching out to the community and providing films to meet specific audiences as well as information regarding the new location in Columbia's old Fox Theater. There will be two screens in the new theater. This feature will provide great opportunity for showing a multitude of new films as well as providing the rare opportunity to enjoy film noir as one can only experience in a theater setting.

Next week the Roadies will return to the Nickelodeon to enjoy another film and learn more about the theater, how it is run and what their budget planning entails for 2008 among other topics. The Nick is a non-profit art house film theater run by the Columbia Film Society. It is the only theater of its kind in South Carolina. This is just one more of the rare jewels housed in the Columbia area!

To close I would like to say that the movie and the time spent with Larry and Andy was… well, Jhakaas! Sharon